Time passed like a fleeting eagle, and in the blink of an eye, Molan had reached the tender age of fourteen. During these years, Zhao Zhen would often disguise himself and quietly leave the palace to visit Molan. Furthermore, he would often send trusted servants to bring her rare and precious treasures, as well as letters filled with deep affection. As time passed, the affection between the two grew deeper and stronger.

However, how could the concubines in such a vast palace be unaware of this? You know, in the past few years, Zhao Zhen almost never stayed overnight in any of the concubines' bedrooms. He only occasionally dined with them and bestowed rewards on them during every festival.

At first, the concubines were naturally reluctant, inevitably resorting to trickery and tantrums in an attempt to attract the emperor's attention and favor. However, as time passed, they gradually realized that the almighty emperor had no romantic feelings for them. Thus, their desire to compete for favor gradually faded. After all, even if they could gain the emperor's temporary favor, for various reasons, it would be difficult for them to conceive and give birth to a prince or princess.

The imperial doctors in the palace all said that the emperor's health had always been poor, so it was difficult for him to have children! Therefore, over time, everyone gradually got used to this matter and no longer cared about it as much as they did at the beginning.

Today, after years of trials and tribulations, the black orchid has grown into a graceful and elegant woman. Just like a gorgeous blooming flower, it stands tall and graceful in the world, charming and enchanting.

Back in the day, Minglan's biological mother, Wei Xiaoniang, was about to give birth when she encountered a difficult fetal position, resulting in a difficult labor. In this crucial moment, seven-year-old Molan bravely stepped forward, wielding an incredibly sharp scalpel, and courageously performed a cesarean section on Wei Xiaoniang. It was thanks to Molan's decisive action that Minglan's brother, Sheng Chang'an, and her unfortunate mother were saved.

The scene was truly breathtaking. Mo Lan not only displayed extraordinary calmness and decisiveness, but also meticulously arranged everything. She decisively ordered Mo Ran to guard the courtyard to prevent interference; then, she quickly retrieved high-quality healing herbs and precious, rare, century-old ginseng. These meticulous preparations ultimately ensured the safety of Wei Xiaoniang and the others, escaping the danger.

From that moment on, Minglan's gratitude for Molan grew ever deeper, and she cherished him even more than her own brother, Chang'an. Thanks to Molan's generosity and supplies, Minglan and her mother's lives were no longer as difficult as they once were. However, the only flaw was that Mrs. Sheng was ultimately unable to fulfill her wish and adopt Minglan.

Meanwhile, Qi Heng, as the story unfolds, is deeply captivated by Minglan's talent and beauty, and a deep love for her blossoms in his heart. Unfortunately, his mother, the almighty Princess, remains unfazed, still intensely disdainful of Minglan's humble origins. Faced with this, Minglan is naturally heartbroken and devastated.

On this day, the sun shone softly across the courtyard, and a gentle breeze rustled the leaves, creating a subtle rustling sound. Molan stood quietly by, her gaze fixed on Minglan, who was weeping heartbrokenly. She gently reached out her hand, gently wiping away the tears from her eyes, and asked with concern, "You look so sad. Are you really that fond of that person? How about I talk to the Emperor and ask him to grant you two a marriage?"

Hearing this, Minglan suddenly raised her head, her eyes firm and resolute, and quickly waved her hands and said: "No, no way! Fourth sister, no matter how much I like him, if he can't handle the affairs of his mother, if I marry him, my life in the future will definitely not be easy!" After that, Minglan sighed softly, her face full of sadness.

After hearing this, Molan nodded slightly to show her understanding and comforted her, "It's good that you think so. Matters of the heart do need careful consideration. Don't worry too much. Come, try Huaji's new hibiscus cake. I heard it tastes very good." As she spoke, Molan handed a plate of exquisite hibiscus cake to Minglan.

Minglan took it and carefully took a bite. After savoring it carefully, she couldn't help but smile in surprise and exclaimed, "Hmm, it's really delicious! Fourth sister, I have something else to trouble you with. I heard that Hua Xiangrong recently launched a new skin care product. I wonder if you could give me a set?"

Molan smiled slightly when she heard this, and replied readily: "Of course! I have already instructed Moxue to send two sets to each of the female relatives in the family, and sent them to your yard. You will be able to see them when you go back..."

Minglan was overjoyed when she heard this and immediately smiled, "Thank you, Fourth Sister! You are always so kind to me."

Over the past few years, thanks to the widespread cultivation of the new grain varieties carefully cultivated by Mo Lan, the people's harvests have increased significantly, their lives have become increasingly prosperous, and their incomes have also risen steadily. As a result, the country's granaries have become full, and the once empty treasury is now gradually replenished.

Meanwhile, the exceptionally intelligent Molan presented Zhao Zhen with a precious recipe. With this secret formula, the craftsmen successfully crafted even more sophisticated and powerful weaponry. With these advanced weaponry, the Song army gained even greater power, its combat effectiveness increasing day by day.

Furthermore, Molan skillfully instructed Mingcheng to arrange for numerous lay disciples from Huangjue Temple to join the army, undergoing rigorous military training and practical combat experience. After this training, many of these disciples demonstrated exceptional talent and leadership, rising to key and important positions within the army. Their presence further solidified Zhao Zhen's control over military power.

However, the current situation was not entirely perfect. Despite Zhao Zhen's remarkable achievements in governing the country, a thorny issue plagued the court: his childless state. Had he met with an untimely death, the Song Dynasty would have been plunged into chaos and turmoil. After all, the succession to the throne was fundamental to the nation, and the absence of a clear heir would undoubtedly have sparked strife and conflict among various factions.

That morning, at court, ministers came forward and wrote to Emperor Zhao Zhen, pleading with him to adopt a son from the royal family to ensure the continuation of the royal bloodline. However, these ministers, with their fiery words and resolute attitude, did not receive the response they expected.

Emperor Zhao Zhen was furious and severely punished the most active court officials. For a time, the court fell silent, and no one dared to mention the matter again.

Zhao Zhen then ordered the chief eunuch beside him to work with officials from the Ministry of Rites to draft an imperial edict, which he read aloud in front of the entire court: "In consideration of the gentleness, virtue, and talent of Sheng Molan, the legitimate daughter of Sheng Hong, a Second Rank Minister of the Ministry of Revenue, I hereby confer the title of Imperial Noble Consort. The wedding ceremony will be held in a month, with all etiquette and regulations to be followed as for the Empress. She will then be ushered into Fengyi Palace to reside."

This sudden imperial edict was like a bombshell, causing an uproar in the imperial court and the harem. People were talking about it and were extremely surprised by the emperor's decision.

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